Nothando wakes up to a WhatsApp message from Joseph.

Hi Gorgeous, maybe you have forgotten what I asked you to do?

But it doesn’t matter, I c u very pretty on pp.

Can we meet today so I can see if you look as beautiful in flesh as the pictures I saw on Facebook?

Nothando is very glad he doesn’t sound angry with her.

She responds:

I’m going to church this morning. Can we make it after church if that works with u?

Sure, send me directions. I will fetch you at church and we can go for lunch.

OK, great. See you at 12.00.

C u sweets…

Nothando sits staring at the phone in her hand, her heart beating very fast.

“I can’t believe I’ve said yes to meeting this stranger. What if this man is a serial killer? Or he kidnaps me?” she says to herself.

Her thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. She goes to see who it is.

“Morning my friend!” shouts a hyper and loud Precious.

“Hi chomi,” she responds. “Since when do you knock; don’t you have your own keys?”

“I wanted you to come out and meet my new baby. Her name is Angela.” She drags Nothando out into the street and points to the shiny new red VW Polo Vivo parked next to the kerb.

“Oh my word!” Nothando shouts, jumping up and down with excitement. “She is perfect!” She hugs her friend warmly. “Congratulations, chomi wam.”

“You know what, I could not believe it when my blesser handed me the keys. Let’s go on a quick ride. Uwuzwe umshin wam (Let’s test drive my machine)!”

“Sure, let’s go.”

The friends get into the Polo Vivo, still exclaiming over its beauty.

“Chomi, I have something to tell you too,” says Nothando as they pull off.

“Yeah, anything chomi. Or you can wait till we sit down for breakfast at Wimpy Suncoast.”

“Cool beans! I’ll tell you about it then. For now, asizwe igqom – loud house music ku-Angela.”

They walk into Wimpy and a waiter welcomes them and shows them to a table.

“Morning ladies. My name is Gift and I will be your waiter this morning.”

The girls reply together, as if they have been practising, their eyes glued to Gift’s pretty face and his fade haircut that suits him perfectly: “Hi Gift.”

“What do you ladies want to order?”

“We’re both going to have the breakfast special with mushrooms on the side,” Precious says. “Chomi, what are you going to drink?”

“I’ll have a regular coffee.”

“Make it two. Before you go Gift, please take a pic of me and my friend.”

Gift takes the photo and goes off to place their order.

“So friend, what did you want to tell me?” Precious asks. “It must be good news because I don’t want depressing news. I am still in a celebratory mood.”

Nothando laughs. “It’s not bad news. I wanted to tell you I have found a blesser. His name is Joe Khumalo and he lives in Morningside. We are meeting today after church.”

Precious gives a shriek.

“Chomi chomi chomi – you must be joking! I never thought you’d do it! Cheers to my chomi for realising what is good for you.”

“I am so nervous Presh, you have no idea. I just hope no-one sees me with him.”

“Oh come on chomi. You will be fine, just go with the flow.”

***

Tell us: What advice would you give Nothando?